Nonpartisan is defined as: Based on, influenced by, affiliated with, or supporting the interests or policies of no single political party: a nonpartisan city council.

You have recently seen firsthand the effects of partisan politics. Small town politics have no room for such extremism. Cities like Bonney Lake run more smoothly and progressively with consensus building rather than obstructionist tactics.

This newspaper does not endorse candidates, but has provided you in depth coverage of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce Candidate forum. However, the News Tribune does give endorsements, and they suggest that when our future depends on it, there is no substitute for experience for Bonney Lake. They endorsed the incumbents in their Oct. 1 editorial. Be sure and read all candidates qualifications in the voters’ pamphlet that was mailed to your home Oct. 10. And your ballot was mailed October 18. For voter’s assistance visit the Pierce County election website or call 253-798-7430. The election is November 5. Vote early, but not before you do your homework.

Not everything you need to know is in the voters’ pamphlet. Google and Bing the candidates and see what they look like on the web. Right on page 2 of the Oct. 2 edition of The Courier-Herald we are reminded we are in the 31st District with an information page shared by state representatives Cathy Dahlquist and Christopher Hurst. Research the 31st District on the web and see who represents you there, your precinct. Are candidates involved in 31st District political activities?

What has your local government done for you lately? How do they serve you, the voters, citizens and businesses? I have had columns over the months about the responsibilities of the different branches of city government and how they work together. Nothing can be accomplished without cool heads, education, thoughtfulness and a spirit of doing what is best for the city, which means the majority of citizens and businesses who live, shop or work here. Having an agenda and pushing back just doesn’t work in small town politics. There is no progress made by refusing to compromise.

In this newspaper, you recently read about the purchase of property on Rhodes Lake Road adjacent to the city well with a view of Victor Falls. In that same edition, Theresa De Lay also wrote a story about the Fennel Creek Safe Routes to School Trail link completion and the ribbon cutting to be held Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Willow Brook Storm Pond at 11110 185th Ave E. I have already seen several posts on Facebook of people using the trail. I saw pictures of kids on bikes, families walking and Councilman Donn Lewis shared that Bonney Lake High School teams are using the trail for practice.

Look at the ads. There are businesses that promise healthier living begins here. Another says Bonney Lake is better connected. There was a thank you from Beautify Bonney Lake showing citizens working together with the many sponsors, businesses and private citizens of this community. The event has been ongoing for 10 years in this community. This year the city of Bonney Lake was the top sponsor.

Recently there was a story about a private citizen who offered to donate the estimated value of the old senior center van that was originally scheduled for surplus. This would allow the Bonney Lake/Lake Tapps Senior Citizens to continue to use the bus as a back-up to support the senior center. The memorandum of understanding and use agreement has approved at the Oct. 8 council meeting.

You have heard about the great staff of this city that are the worker bees not only on the job, but volunteering in the community. We have a city that supports non-profits such as Lions 4 Kids House, the Bonney Lake Food Bank, the Community Garden, the Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society, Adopt-A-Street, Kiwanis, Greater Bonney Lake Veterans Memorial Committee, Sumner Rotary Club, homeowners associations and youth groups.

And there are the many citizens who donate their time to volunteer to be on the planning commission, design commission, park board and civil service commission.

The city is served by two different school districts, Sumner and White River and our fire protection comes from East Pierce Fire and Rescue. The city has a cooperative relationship with other agencies and its neighboring cities. We have roads that are maintained and improved and utilities that serve our needs.

The above are examples of your city government working for all ages and cooperatively with the business community. If you ask me, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.